Anne Savage, Baroness Berkeley facts for kids

Anne Berkeley (born Anne Savage), Baroness Berkeley (around 1496 – 1564) was an important lady-in-waiting and friend to Queen Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn was the second wife of Henry VIII of England. It is believed that Anne Berkeley was one of the few people who saw the King and Anne Boleyn get married in secret on January 25, 1533.

Her Family and Early Life

Anne was born in England around the year 1496. We don't know her exact birth date. She was the only daughter of John Savage, who was the Sheriff of Worcestershire, and his wife Anne Bostock. Anne had seven brothers. One of her brothers was Sir John Savage of Clifton. He married Elizabeth Savage, who was a distant cousin of King Henry VIII.

Marriage and Children

Anne married Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley in April 1533. This was his second marriage. Thomas Cromwell, a powerful figure at court, helped arrange her marriage.

Anne and Thomas had two children together:

• Elizabeth Butler (née Berkeley), Countess of Ormond
• Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley, who was born after his father passed away.

Life at Court

Anne Berkeley seemed to be a close friend and helper to Anne Boleyn even before Anne Boleyn married King Henry VIII. Only a few people were at the King's second wedding. Anne Berkeley is thought to have been one of them. This secret wedding happened on January 25, 1533. It was kept secret because Anne Boleyn was expecting a baby. Also, King Henry had not yet officially ended his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Some stories say Anne Berkeley even helped carry Anne Boleyn's long dress at the wedding.

Anne had been part of the royal court for several years. She was connected to her brother John's widow, Elizabeth. Elizabeth's second husband was William Brereton. He was also at the secret royal wedding.

Anne was described as being of "average height." She had a "pleasant, brown complexion." People said she was very caring towards her children.

Anne's husband, Thomas Berkeley, became a Knight of the Bath. This happened at Anne Boleyn's coronation. Thomas passed away on September 19, 1534. At that time, Anne was almost seven months pregnant with their son, Henry.

Later Life

Even though she was close to Anne Boleyn, Anne Berkeley remained a strong Catholic. She was known for her "masculine spirit." This meant she was brave and determined. She showed this when she stood firm in her beliefs.

Anne Berkeley passed away in October 1564. She died at Caludon Castle, which is near Coventry.